Animal Care Marks Record Year in Pet Adoptions, Reunions, and Rescues

Broward County Animal Care {Photo By: AJ Shorter Photography}

Broward County Animal Care is celebrating a record year of pet adoptions, reunions, and rescue transfers in Fiscal Year 2025, which ran from Oct. 1, 2024, through Sept. 30, 2025.

The agency reported 3,894 pet adoptions during the fiscal year, an increase of more than 160 animals from the previous year. Another 568 pets were reunited with their owners, a 31 percent increase. Partnerships with rescue groups also expanded, resulting in 733 pets being transferred to rescue partners — nearly 200 more than last year.

“These results are a direct reflection of the passion and hard work of our staff, volunteers, and community supporters,” said Doug Brightwell, director of Broward County Animal Care. “Every adoption, every reunion, every saved life represents Broward County at its best — a community united in compassion.”

Animals are also moving into homes more quickly. The average stay for dogs dropped by almost 11 days, and cats were adopted more than two days sooner than the previous year. The shelter reported a live release rate of 82.79 percent, representing the percentage of animals that leave the shelter safely.

“We are building momentum, but we are just getting started,” Brightwell said. “Our focus remains on helping every animal in our care find safety, health, and love — and ensuring that Broward County remains a model for excellent and compassionate animal welfare.”

Information about adopting, fostering, or volunteering is available at Broward.org/Animal or by calling 954-357-9758.

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